While perusing the Habitat Restore shelves one day, I nearly missed a metal tree that poked me as I picked up something else. It, of course, wobbled and subsequently caught my eye. Perhaps it was an earring tree? But the upcycler in me snapped into focus and whispered, “No…a Halloween tree!”.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
It came home with me and waited nearly a year for its day in the sun. Being pretty dainty, I needed to consider what I could use as mini Halloween ornaments.
But once it came to me, I couldn’t wait to start: Vintage Halloween cupcake toppers! I didn’t have any, but I found plenty on Etsy/eBay; even some that had already been upcycled into Halloween tree ornaments.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
hallowe
I supplemented those pre-made ornaments with a few more cupcake toppers and got ready to craft. Want to see how it all turned out?
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
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Mini Ornaments for a Halloween Tree
First and foremost, the earring tree (or whatever it originally was) needed a quick makeover. Not that the pewter color was bad, per se- but painting it black made the most sense to me.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Thankfully, I already had a can (or 2) of black spray paint in the garage. So, I took it outside, set up my traditional spray painting session and gave it a couple of coats.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Next, I turned my focus to the mini Halloween ornaments. Now, even though I’d purchased some vintage cupcake toppers that had already been altered, I didn’t like their long thread hangers. So I carefully peeled off the yellowing hot glue blobs and thread loops.
I also borrowed my husband’s plastic nippers that he uses on the models he builds. And they worked BRILLIANTLY at removing the plastic pick underneath the Halloween cupcake toppers.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
But back to the thread loops for a moment. Because my Halloween tree was small, my mini ornaments couldn’t hang too low. So, that’s why the thread loops had to go.
And in their place, I planned on using black hot glue to attach black jump rings.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I even treated myself to a dedicated hot glue gun for the black hot glue sticks. I figure it’ll come in handy for other projects when I use black hot glue.
Anyway, I systematically used the black hot glue to carefully attach black jump rings to the tops of the mini Halloween ornaments.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Once I’d glued jump rings on all the little ornaments, it was time to hang them on my tabletop tree!
Decorating a Halloween Tree with Cupcake Toppers
After some switching around, changing branches, etc., I settled on the placement of ornaments on my Halloween tree.
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Isn’t it SO CUTE? I just love how sweet-spooky it is and the vintage style of the mini Halloween ornaments!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I will, of course, have to keep it somewhere where Pixie (our youngest rescue kitty) can’t get to it. Because these will ABSOLUTELY look like little toys to her.
But until then, I’m just going to enjoy the heck out of it with my other Halloween decor!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And yes, that IS one of my upcycled candy corn decorations from a few years ago. Good eye!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
I hope you enjoyed this super simple and awfully cute upcycled Halloween craft idea! And I do know that this project comes with some risk of offending vintage purists. They might HATE the idea of me snipping off the picks from those Halloween cupcake toppers.
And while I get it- I really do- I just know that I’ll enjoy them a lot more as ornaments on my Halloween tree than for topping cupcakes. Quite frankly, I’m not keen on the idea of 60+-year-old plastic picks in my cupcakes, anyway, so…
Speaking of vintage Halloween decorations, if you enjoyed this upcycling project of mine, then you might also enjoy my vintage Halloween mantel display, too!
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
And this upcycled picture frame project might be up your alley, as well. Especially if you can find a similar one at the thrift store…
Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Craft on!
S
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Image credit: Sadie Seasongoods.
Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Could it be for mini Christmas ornaments? Doesn’t look like an earring tree to me.
You have such creative Halloween projects, but since my kids are way too old for Halloween, I just don’t get into decorating for it anymore. Fall yes, but not Halloween.
So, I shared it on my FB page and everyone said it was a Hallmark tree that used to hold little matching picture frames! A photograph family tree. 🙂
That really is cute – pinned.
Sheila
Thank you so much!
Cute! And thx for the black hot glue tip!! Didn’t know such a thing existed. Love your ideas.
Right?? Definitely a fun find for Halloween or dark-colored projects!
I love the Halloween tree with the mini ornaments. I can see mini xmas ornaments on it too plus all the other holidays, I’ll be on the lookout for something like this myself. I wish now I had kept my Mom’s plastic tree that you put gum ball candy on that would be perfect. Thanks so much for the ideas.
Thank you, Gloria- I hope you find something similar while thrifting!! Fingers crossed.
So cute😀 Better than an earring tree ever looked!
Thank you so much, Nancy!
I love your Halloween Tree. Your talent never ceases to amaze me. thank you for all the wonderful ideas you share.
Deridre.
Thank you so very much, Deirdre!
I don’t even decorate for Halloween, but this is so darn cute! I could also see little ghosts made with a white fabric scrap tied around a wooden bead hanging from the tree. Who cares if it offends someone, it’s not like they are going to rescue all the vintage/antique things in the world to keep them from being altered😂! I agree with not wanting old vintage picks in my food. Love the candy corn decorations also! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Vicki!!
How cute is that! I love it!
Thanks, Mary!
Super cute. I have been looking for an earring tree for earrings, now I really need one. You always have the cutest recycle ideas.
Thank you so very much, Jan!